N Piano 2 pianos vs. N Stage 2 pianos

[Ferdinandus]

Hi all, im new here;
I would like to buy a good stage piano, and after some internet research nord piano 2 seems actually one of the best out there. I think i prefer it over rolands due to that always growing piano library...
But before buying it i need to try first, of course : ) Actually i didnt find a NP2 in local stores.. only N Stage 2. But then i saw on the web that the N Stage 2 uses the Piano Library.. so considering that i can try the Stage 2, here is my question:
What are the differences between Piano 2 and Stage 2 in relation to pianos? Are Stage 2 pianos the same as the ones that you get with NPiano 2?
And i would like to know also if there are some differences between the keyboards of these two machines.
Thanks in advance!

[mjbrands]

The pianos are the same, but the effects sections on the NP2 and NS2 are slightly different. For general piano sounds they should sound pretty much identical though. Like the NS2 the NP2 can use samples too, but in a much more limited fashion.

The keyboard on the NP2 differs somewhat from the NS2 (when considering the weighted action on the 88- and 76-key versions). The NP2 does not have aftertouch and thus the keys bottom out a bit harder (the NS2 keys bottom out on the soft aftertouch strip). I've also heard the NP2 keys are a bit heavier weighted, but I don't know it that is true or not.

This thread may have some more info that interests you regarding the keybed: http://www.norduserforum.com/nord-piano ... t1913.html

[Ferdinandus]

Ok thanks for your response mjbrands.
It seems that its reasonable buy a NPiano2 based on the NStage 2 reference.
One more question. Every preset of the NPiano2 is based on samples that you can erase/re-install, isnt it? so you dont have any rom preset? I see in the Piano library page that the XL versions are up tu 200 mb... but the internal hard disk its only 500mb...so it seems that there is not enough room to store everything at the same time in its maximum quality version...
thanks

[maurus]

You are correct. Every sound can be changed, but not too many piano sounds can be installed at the same time. Many people have just one XL sample loaded, plus a variety of others. Changing the sounds takes a few minutes due to the necessary flashing of the RAM.

[Ferdinandus]

ok i see;
what a pitty! ( wouldnt be great if you could stream directly from your pc/mac? : )
Thanks!

[heyjunjin1]

Just got my NP2 today! Absolutely love it. I'm really surprised at how much I like the action, suits my playing style.

If you are more of a piano guy, or already have a separate synth, then I would suggest the NP2.

I have a Access Virus TI2, so I really had no need for the synths. Very happy guy right here!

[Ferdinandus]

Finally i tried the NPiano!
Heyjunjin1, now i can understand why are you so happy with the NP2
I really liked nearly everything about this machine.
But, between NP1 and NP2 there is a difference of 700eur in the final price.....So in NP2 there should be more than just some minor changes; altough both models are sharing the same pianos; same internal memory; same polyphony...so where is the difference? is NP2 in practice a true step forward?

[mjbrands]

I think the price difference can partially be explained by the fact the NP2 came out; people want the new NP2 if they buy a new stage piano, not the 'old' NP1. I wouldn't be surprised if they're sold quite a bit below what they cost 6 months ago.

On the Nord website there is a PDF with a comparison of the NP1 and NP2 (to the right of the list of features). I've linked it here for convenience: http://www.nordkeyboards.com/home/image ... 0chart.pdf

As far as I can see, it boils down to:

• No synth section on the original NP
• Not possible to set up a keyboard split on the original NP
• Some additional effects on the NP2 not present on the NP1
• Twice as many program locations on the NP2

To me these changes don't really seem worth the 700 euro difference you mention. The synth section is nice, but fairly limited. For that 700 euro you could also buy a new Waldorf Blofeld synthesizer or (for a bit more) a Moog Little Phatty analog synth. All NP1s that are sold now are probably from stock; when stock runs out, the NP2 will be the only one sold.

[drparticle]

Indeed. I jumped to get a NP1 at blowout price ($1800, Feb 2012) as soon as I learned of the new NP2. There's prob not too many remaining. A quick scan on the 'Bay doesn't show but one. Might be some B-stock avaialble for the dedicted searcher. I think mine was a return, but it still had the stickers on the deck, the protector on the LCD screen and on the pedals, and all of the packaging. I got it from Gear Orphanage in LA. Nice people.

good luck searching for the bargain. -dr p

[Rychubil]

And i would like to know also if there are some differences between the keyboards of these two machines.
Thanks in advance!

NP2 and NS2 is mounted same keyboard - Fatar TP/40M.
This information I got from british dealer of Clavia "Soundtechnology".